Steve Ballmer Steps Down From Microsoft Board to Focus on Clippers

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Earlier this morning, Steve Ballmer posted a letter on the Microsoft website stating that he is resigning from his position on the Microsoft board immediately, ending his 34-year tenure with the company.

The letter is addressed to current Microsoft CEO, Satya Nadella. In it, Ballmer states his reasons for stepping down are because of his commitments to teaching and his owner role with the Los Angeles Clippers:

Given my confidence and the multitude of new commitments I am taking on now, I think it would be impractical for me to continue to serve on the board, and it is best for me to move off. The fall will be hectic between teaching a new class and the start of the NBA season so my departure from the board is effective immediately.

In the same page as Ballmer's letter, Nadella has posted a response:

First, thank you for all of your support during my transition this year and for the past 34 years. It’s been a great privilege to have worked with you and learned from you. Under your leadership, we created an incredible foundation that we continue to build on — and Microsoft will thrive in the mobile-first, cloud-first world.

Ballmer will be holding onto his shares within the company and offering feedback on products. He only trails the index funds in shares owned.

One thing for certain after yesterday's speech from Ballmer is that Microsoft's loss is the Clippers gain. His rowdy nature was on full display and has already won over the fans. It is clear he has found his next passion as a fan and an owner.